February Patchday security update causes user profile errors

Windows 10 February Patchday: Update available – with problems

The regular February patchday of the past few days has caused problems and problems for Windows users. Many users saw the error message “Unable to log in to the account” after starting their operating system, and all user data seemed lost. Fortunately, the all-clear was quickly given the all-clear, because the data is probably still available. We explain how you can get your data back here:

The error that occurs is a problem that has also occurred several times in the past, for example with Windows 7. There, with luck, it was fixed with a restart. In the current case, it should help to uninstall the problem update KB4532693 again – this should make the temporary user profile disappear and the old profile be available again. So that the update is not reinstalled after some time, it can be deactivated manually if necessary until Windows has improved.

Windows 10 Patchday: New January update now available

Microsoft’s Patchday takes place every second Tuesday of the month. In the current patch, Microsoft closed a major security hole that had previously been discovered and reported by the US intelligence agency NSA. This was the mistake CVE-2020-0601, by which the attacker could have tricked the security mechanisms of the operating system.

However, many users now state that they cannot install the current patch – instead, it only outputs an error code. In this case, the “Troubleshoot” submenu can help, where users can use the “Windows Update” function to automatically search for possible causes. Outdated drivers, non-Windows antivirus software or connected devices are possible problems.

Windows 7 support end: this is important now

Microsoft announced years ago that support for Windows 7 would be discontinued. Now the time has come, since January 14, 2020 there will be no product support and no new software updates from Microsoft after more than 10 years.

The system can still be used, but users have to take risks due to the lack of security updates. It is now possible and sensible to upgrade to Windows 10, which was even free until 2016 for private users with a legal Windows 7 or Windows 8 license. This is still possible today – users will then receive the home version of Windows 10. If you want to use the Pro version, on the other hand, you have to buy a new Windows 10 license. We explain here exactly how to proceed with the upgrade and what else you have to consider about the change to Windows 10 and the discontinuation of Windows 7:

Windows 10 1909: Eighth version since Windows 10 started

In November Windows 10 receives a new function update, known as Windows 10 1909 or simply November Update. The rollout of what is now the eighth feature for Windows 10 started on November 12 and is now available.

Windows 10 was last adapted by the May update, with a comparatively large number of new functions added at that time. The November update 2019 is also a bit smaller and is also provided as a cumulative update to keep installation times and scope as short as possible.

Autumn update for Windows 10: there are new features

In fact, the new update offers only a few tangible innovations. Rather, Microsoft worked this time to fix bugs and improve performance. According to one Microsoft blog post there are the following adjustments:

• Quickly creating an event directly from the Calendar flyout on the Taskbar.
• Better managing notifications, including a new button at the top of the Action Center and the ability to sort notifications by most recently shown.
• Integrating OneDrive content online with traditional indexed results in the File Explorer search box.
• The navigation pane on the Start menu now expands when you hover over it with your mouse to better inform where clicking goes.
• Using your voice to activate third-party digital assistants from the Lock screen.

Install Windows 10 Update: Here’s how

Windows 10 updates are usually straightforward, but occasionally problems also arise for users – in the worst case scenario, data may be lost. This time, users have two options for version 1909:

1. Anyone who has the current Windows 10 version 1903 will receive 1909 as a cumulative update. So the update should be faster and easier than a normal function update.
2. For all others and thus the majority of users who have a different version, the update is available as usual as a large feature update.

Usually the update is delivered and installed automatically. Users can also trigger the update automatically, as follows:

• Open settings
• Select the “Update & Security” menu
• Select “Check for updates”

The latest available version should then be displayed and can be selected for installation.

Once the update has been downloaded, the computer must first be restarted so that the installation process can be completed.

RND / do

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